Wolbachia bacteria are a fascinating species, among other things, it put its entire genome into a fruit fly, gives its hosts a variety of superpowers from making them capable of asexual reproduction, causes sex changes in male butterflies, or even killing off the males of the species. So is this relationship straight parasitism (as many would argue), mutualism, or commensalism? It probably depends upon whom you ask!
Showing posts with label bacteria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bacteria. Show all posts
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Caterpillars + Bacteria = Interesting Relationship
Caterpillars use bacteria to produce green islands in yellowing leaves.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Blog Watch: Olivia Judson on Bacteria
Thoughtful blog entry on the diversity of microbes in us:
Summary: The human body is home to a vast array of bacteria. So what are they up to?
For more about our bacterial live-ins, Ms. Vannoy recommends: Good Germs, Bad Germs. (on my to-read bookshelf!)
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